Top 100 Oilers: No. 44 — Kevin McClelland

McClelland was a key role player during the Oilers' dynasty years in the 1980s

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:07am

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Oilersnation is reviving the Top 100 Edmonton Oilers of All Time list, and Kevin McClelland comes in at No. 44 on the updated 2025 list. McClelland was a bottom-six forward who played a key role in the Oilers' four Stanley Cup wins in the 1980s, providing grit, physicality, and timely scoring.

Why it matters

McClelland was an unsung hero during the Oilers' dynasty years, doing the dirty work and playing a vital role despite not being one of the team's superstars. His story highlights the importance of role players in building a championship team.

The details

Drafted 71st overall, McClelland spent his first few seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins before being traded to the Oilers in 1983. He became an important bottom-six forward, scoring 8 goals and 28 points in the 1983-84 season and adding 4 goals and 10 points in the playoffs as the Oilers won their first Stanley Cup. McClelland went on to win 3 more Cups with the Oilers over the next 5 seasons, providing physical play, penalty killing, and timely scoring. His best regular season came in 1985-86 when he scored 11 goals and 36 points, but he was never a big offensive producer, with his value coming in the form of his grit and two-way play.

  • McClelland was traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Edmonton Oilers during the 1983-84 season.
  • McClelland won 4 Stanley Cups with the Oilers between 1984 and 1988.
  • McClelland's best regular season came in 1985-86 when he scored 11 goals and 36 points.
  • McClelland was traded from the Oilers to the Detroit Red Wings in 1989, marking the beginning of the end of his NHL career.

The players

Kevin McClelland

A bottom-six forward who played a key role in the Edmonton Oilers' dynasty in the 1980s, winning 4 Stanley Cups with the team.

Wayne Gretzky

The superstar center and leader of the Oilers' dynasty teams in the 1980s.

Jari Kurri

A prolific goal-scoring winger who was one of the Oilers' top offensive players during their dynasty years.

Glenn Andersson

A skilled forward who was part of the Oilers' core group during their championship runs in the 1980s.

Paul Coffey

An elite defenseman who was a key contributor to the Oilers' offensive firepower and Stanley Cup wins.

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The takeaway

Kevin McClelland's story is a reminder that championship teams are built not just with superstars, but with unsung role players who do the dirty work and make crucial contributions. McClelland's grit, physicality, and timely scoring played a vital part in the Oilers' dynasty, even if he wasn't one of the team's biggest names.